Peterborough Cat Rescue is facing an overwhelming number of calls as the city's feline population grows, leading to financial strain for pet owners. The charity, inundated with requests, can now only handle emergencies due to the increasing demand for its services.
Jo Underwood, a foster coordinator with the charity, highlighted the challenges faced by the organization, particularly in prioritizing pregnant female cats and kittens. She emphasized the impact of unneutered male cats on the community, citing fights, disease spread, and increased costs for owners as significant concerns.
The cost-of-living crisis and rising veterinary bills are believed to be contributing factors to the problem. Ms. Underwood encouraged more people to consider fostering, noting that the charity's work is essential in dealing with the expanding cat population in Peterborough.
Fostering kittens, a crucial aspect of the charity's work, involves caring for them for nine weeks before they can be vet-checked and rehomed. Volunteer fosterers, who can decide how many cats to care for, play a vital role in this process.
Despite the rewarding nature of fostering, Ms. Underwood acknowledged the frustrations experienced by some carers. Some potential adopters have been indecisive or unresponsive, leading to delays in finding permanent homes for the cats.
In response to these challenges, the charity issued a warning on Facebook, urging potential adopters to be fully committed and not just swayed by cute kitten pictures online. They highlighted instances where applicants changed their minds post-viewing or failed to respond to messages after expressing interest in adopting a cat.
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